Green Party plans protests across Pa. on Earth Day

WILKES-BARRE (AP) — A coalition of environmental organizations led by the Pennsylvania Green Party is planning protests across the state to mark Earth Day.

The coalition is staging protests at six regional Department of Environmental Protection offices Monday. The protesters say they’re urging DEP to protect the state’s air, land and water, and protesting policies regarding oil and natural gas drilling.

Green Party of Pennsylvania Chairman Jay Sweeney says the group wants the state to do more to develop alternative energy. He says protesters also want to get justice for those harmed by the oil and gas industry. They also want the DEP to stop issuing permits for gas wells, compressor stations, pipelines, water withdrawals and other infrastructure related to fossil fuel extraction.